Back to Mind Explorers
This game helps children develop a clearer understanding of the difference between direct experience (real reality) and the virtual reality of thoughts, memories, and imaginings.
By learning to focus on their present-moment experience through their senses, children cultivate greater mindfulness, presence, and sensory awareness.
Practicing observing experience without labeling it with words can help children develop a more direct and intimate relationship with reality, unmediated by conceptual overlays or mental filters.
This can foster a sense of openness, curiosity, and appreciation for the richness and vividness of life as it unfolds moment by moment.
Hey there, young reality adventurer!
Today, we're going to play a game called "The Reality Explorer."
In this game, we'll be learning about the difference between real reality and virtual reality.
Real reality is everything that's happening right now, everything you can see, hear, feel, smell, and taste in the present moment.
Virtual reality is when you're daydreaming, remembering the past, or imagining the future.
We'll be practicing how to notice and explore real reality without getting caught up in the virtual reality of our thoughts.
Are you ready to become a reality explorer?
1. Explain to the child the difference between direct experience (real reality) and virtual reality (daydreaming, fantasizing, mulling over, and most automatic thinking).
2. Encourage the child to focus on noticing their direct experience in the present moment, using all their senses.
3. Ask the child to observe their experience without labeling anything with words, simply being present with what is.
4. Invite the child to notice the act of experiencing itself, and to look for an experiencer (the one who is experiencing).
5. Provide the child with some flags to help them recognize when they’ve slipped into virtual reality:
6. Encourage the child to approach this game with open-minded curiosity and open-hearted intimacy, leaving opinions and conclusions behind.
To further explore the concept of direct experience and the power of present-moment awareness, consider introducing your child to the book “A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles” by Thich Nhat Hanh.
This lovely picture book, written by the renowned Zen master and peace activist, introduces children to the practice of pebble meditation, a simple and engaging way to bring mindfulness into daily life.
1. How many pebbles does the book suggest using for meditation?
a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five
2. What does the first pebble represent?
a) Water
b) Fire
c) Earth
d) Flower
3. What quality does the flower pebble symbolize?
a) Strength
b) Speed
c) Freshness
d) Heat
4. What does the mountain pebble represent?
a) Solidity
b) Height
c) Coldness
d) Water
5. What element does the third pebble symbolize?
a) Fire
b) Earth
c) Air
d) Water
6. What quality is associated with the water pebble?
a) Dryness
b) Stillness
c) Reflection
d) Heat
7. What does the space pebble represent?
a) Emptiness
b) Freedom
c) Darkness
d) Noise
8. How does the book suggest holding the pebbles?
a) Tightly in a fist
b) Gently in an open palm
c) Thrown in the air
d) Hidden from view
9. What does the book say about breathing during the meditation?
a) Hold your breath
b) Breathe quickly
c) Breathe naturally
d) Only breathe through your mouth
10. What is the main purpose of using the pebbles in meditation?
a) To create a game
b) To decorate a room
c) To focus the mind and create calm
d) To learn about geology
1. c) Four
2. d) Flower
3. c) Freshness
4. a) Solidity
5. d) Water
6. c) Reflection
7. b) Freedom
8. b) Gently in an open palm
9. c) Breathe naturally
10. c) To focus the mind and create calm
Verse 1:
Open your eyes, what do you see?
Colors and shapes, reality
Listen close, what do you hear?
Sounds all around, crisp and clear
Pre-Chorus:
No words, no labels, just pure sensation
Direct experience, a new exploration
Chorus:
Here and now, that’s where we’ll play
Real reality, it’s here to stay
Thoughts may wander, memories drift
But we’ll stay present, that’s our gift
Verse 2:
Feel the breeze, smell the air
Taste the moment, be aware
Past and future fade away
In this adventure of today
(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)
Bridge:
Who’s the one behind these eyes?
Experiencing all these sights?
Look closely, you might just find
There’s more than meets the mind
(Chorus)
Outro:
So when your thoughts begin to roam
Remember this reality’s your home
In the here and now, we’ll always be
Explorers of what’s real and free
Remember, at QMAK, we don’t just teach; we empower. We don’t just inform; we inspire. We don’t just question; we act. Become a Gold Member, and let’s unlock your child’s full potential, one question at a time.